Laser Welding & Cutting
Laser welding & cutting uses a high intensity laser beam to melt or burn through plastic or metal.
Different types of laser are used, depending on the material and application. Diode lasers are the lowest power and lowest cost and can be used for welding of plastics. CO2 lasers are higher power and can be used for both welding and cutting of plastics. Solid state lasers including Nd:YAG, fibre and disc lasers can be used at very high powers, making them suitable for welding and cutting of sheet metal and thermoplastics.
For laser welding, filler material may be added either with a wire or blown in as a powder.
Laser Advantages
- Very high precision welding or cutting.
- Contact-free, very localised energy means low thermal and mechanical strain on parts.
- Cleaner than electric arc or gas welding.
- No consumables, unless filler material is used for welding.
Laser Disadvantages
- High cost compared with conventional welding and cutting techniques.
- Not practical for manual welding.
- Stringent safety requirements apply.
- Low overall energy efficiency compared to arc welding.
Olympus can supply robot laser welding & cutting systems, laser optics & beam guidance equipment, Dinse laser welding wire feed systems and Laser Safety Systems.